LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Dec. 18, 2012) - Media representatives are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) for the launch of a Russian Soyuz vehicle with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield aboard. The launch is set for December 19, 2012 at 7:12 a.m. EST.

Chris Hadfield will then embark on a five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) where he will carry out scientific experiments, operate Canadarm2 and perform robotics tasks. As of March 2013, he will oversee operations as the first Canadian Commander of the ISS.

Journalists who cannot be on-site at CSA will be able to watch the event live on the CSA website at www.asc-csa.gc.ca

Date:

December 19, 2012

Time:

6:45 a.m.

What:

Presentations and live commentaries

Launch of the Russian Soyuz vehicle for Expedition 34/35 (on NASA TV)

Who:

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada